Baytown Teens behind the Wheel to Drive Community’s Future Plans

September 17, 2009

Baytown teens are about to participate in a golden opportunity - the chance to tell their opinions to local leaders; and our leaders are poised to listen. Beginning on September 18, 2009, each Baytown teen in grades 9 – 12 will have the opportunity to participate in a survey asking about their hopes, dreams and expectations for the future of their community. The results, when compiled, will provide Baytown’s leaders and decision makers with teen input on everything from entertainment and education, to economic development and job needs. It’s all part of an unprecedented collaboration by local government, educators, area business leaders and students.

Unlike other youth surveys which poll a cross-section of the population, this survey will take into consideration the opinions of approximately 10,000 teens in our community, including private and home-schooled youth. City leaders, involved from the project’s inception, are anxiously awaiting the results.

“We’re so excited about this project,” said Kristie Kenny, a senior at Baytown’s Ross S. Sterling High School, and YAC Member. “The information we collect will drive decisions of both government and business for years to come.” She added that the committee has researched what other cities have done to get involved their youth in the planning process, and didn’t find any other community who asked every teen in town to participate. “It’s our chance to share our community vision with the people who have the ability to make it happen. We intend to be very thorough.”

The survey was developed by the City of Baytown’s Youth Advisory Committee. Made up of area teens, the committee designed to make Baytown more youth-friendly has in the past limited their impact to teen dances and social events. Determined to have a more important role in government current members of the YAC decided to embark on an ambitious project with lasting effect. They engaged the help of community leaders that includes City Council, School Board members, the Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders, and the City’s Economic Development Foundation. Although the survey is youth driven, each stake holder contributed to the survey’s 60 plus questions. The survey will be administered in the area’s three public high schools and online for private or home schooled students.

“We’re very pleased with the initiative shown by our young people,” said Baytown Mayor Stephen DonCarlos. “I think this shows tremendous promise for the future of our City.”

Students who participate in the YAC will get an added benefit as they work on committees with some of the community’s most influential leaders. They have the opportunity to work with adult leaders who serve as mentors and advisors, creating lasting relationships and providing valuable experience.